Growing up in New England, winter was about coasters, toboggans, snowball fights, snowmen, and, for little girls who loved horses, snow horses.

After 22 years away, I have returned to New England.   Already, in our first winter here, we have been tobogganing down the hills, including standing up (of course), falling off (of course), having snowball fights, and building our first snowmen.

But it wasn't until late last Sunday that we had truly perfect snowman snow.   With the temptation simply too strong, late after dinner, I was outside in the dark, building a snow horse.   (Actually, it's a little snow foal, but any horsey person can see that.)

The next day, at lunchtime, I went out to see if the foal had survived the night.   I'm delighted to say it not only survived the night, it has been at the end of the driveway all week!

Yup.... 40 something....   going on 13.